Small business & jobs
Business loans, business help lines, and unemployment benefits.
Text 12 to (850) 898-1741 to get this list on your phone.
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Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Open for Isaias through Nov 25, 2026, per FloridaCommerce.
Zero-interest, one-year loans up to $100,000 ($150,000 for farms and aquaculture) for small businesses hurt by Isaias. Must be repaid. Apply by Nov 25 or until funds run out.
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Business recovery hotline and damage survey (FloridaCommerce)
Hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily per the Governor's Oct 12 update.
Business owners can call with recovery questions and report storm damage at FloridaDisaster.biz (choose Hurricane Isaias). Email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
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Reemployment Assistance (unemployment), FloridaCommerce
No Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for Isaias as of Oct 13. Regular benefits are available.
Apply for state unemployment benefits if you lost work through no fault of your own. Apply online or call for help filing.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
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SBA disaster loans
No SBA declaration for Isaias as of Oct 13 (SBA site and Santa Rosa County).
Low-interest federal disaster loans for businesses, renters, and homeowners. Not open for Isaias yet.
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Florida SBDC at UWF (free business help)
Free, confidential advice on recovery planning and financing for small businesses.
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Farm and aquaculture disaster loans (FDACS)
Opened for Isaias Oct 12. Apply up to one year after the emergency or until funds run out.
Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers, growers, and aquaculture producers with Isaias damage. Take photos of damage and keep receipts.